Daily Archives: August 9, 2017

9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. I Corinthians 2:9-10

‘But as it is written’ at the beginning of verse 9 refers to Isaiah 64:4:

4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. Isaiah 64:4

This reference to Isaiah in the Old Testament has an addition in the New Testament. Unde the New Testament God has revealed things to us through the spirit. In the Old Testament, Christ had not come yet. Under the Old Covenant, things of God were revealed to certain men that led God’s people. People depended on their leaders to hear from God.

The day of Pentecost back in Biblical times, just 50 days after Christ’s ascension, was a turning point for everyone who loves God. God is spirit and he communicates thru the spirit. The gift of holy spirit was poured out initially on that day and continues today. It is available to anyone who believes Jesus Christ is Lord and also believes that God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10). Salvation is way more than a ‘get out of hell free card’, so much more. Salvation, or wholeness, is a very big category and involves wholeness in body, soul and spirit. Spirit is a big deal!

Why was the gift of holy spirit given? What does it mean for us? If you read I Corinthians 12:7-11 we can read about the utilization and profits of the gift we have within:

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one (referring to profit) is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally (personally) as he will. I Corinthians 12:7-11

In verse 7, the word ‘manifestation’ is used, not ‘gift’. ‘Manifestation’ (singular) refers what is evidenced as a result of utilization of the gift. God’s wisdom, God’s knowledge, God’s ability to discern between what’s good and what’s not good are just a few things someone with holy spirit has access to. These operational skills or abilities are given by God’s grace for both individual and community profit. We can’t see the gift, but we can see evidence of the gift in operation. The holy spirit in the individual lives of the believers is a radicle change!

There are other effects of the internal reality of holy spirit in a believer’s life such as the fruit that is produced because of the spirit of God in our hearts. We grow as we recognize God working in our lives:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.Galatians 5:22-23

The spirit does not control, the spirit gives power to and blesses the individual.By utilizing the gift, people not only can do great things, but they can also grow in Christ-like qualities. As people grow they then have something to share with each other. They share both the fruit and the power of the spirit. The end result is that people praise God, share the grace, and the glory of our great God shines brightly.

About

Blogroll

Lowliness, humility and meekness mean rising up to God’s vision of ourselves rather than bringing God down to our level.

Through the years I have been involved in several groups and have taken many classes in biblical studies. I enjoy looking at God's word as shared by others. God has a way of connecting us and providing the fellowship we need at just the right time. We can have wonderful, rich connections on a daily basis. Ultimately, however, we each need to take responsibility to get to know God and how much He loves us. Since having started to slowly read and study the Old Testament, I have been amazed by the simplicity of truth and the envelope of love and grace throughout the whole bible. God's son, Jesus Christ is alive today and building his church. The real church is not a building made of bricks and mortar. Instead it is made up of people who believe in God and what God has given us in his son . The Word of God is a rich and powerful because of the gift of holy spirit that inspired its writers and inspires today those who read it.
I started this trek several years ago and presently I am in the books of Samuel. Often, I jump back into the New Testament in my writings because it all relates.

Interesting Books

J Dan Gill - The One- In Defence of God
Wayne Jacobsen - Finding Church- what if there is something more?
I like to read books and I have found the above books to be a blessing. I like to read what others have written and allow God to work in my own heart where I might disagree.